Can XP read data DVDs without special software?

  • Thread starter Thread starter TS
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T

TS

I know XP needs software to play DVD movies, but does it need any
third party software to read a DVD that contains data, not a movie?
We really don't want the cabability to play movies anyway.

Also, are there any external USB 2.0 DVD drives that XP will recognize
without having to install software from the manufacturer's CD?
We would like to have people with XP workstations lacking a DVD drive
to be able to borrow an external DVD reader to access data on a DVD
without having to install any software on their PC.
Simply plug the external DVD into a USB port, insert the DVD and be
able to read the data without having to manually install drivers or
DVD-reading software.
Is this possible?
We would use USB flash drives instead, but there is too much data to
fit on a flash drive.
 
XP can read data dvds without special software.

TS said:
I know XP needs software to play DVD movies, but does it need any
third party software to read a DVD that contains data, not a movie?
We really don't want the cabability to play movies anyway.

Also, are there any external USB 2.0 DVD drives that XP will recognize
without having to install software from the manufacturer's CD?
We would like to have people with XP workstations lacking a DVD drive
to be able to borrow an external DVD reader to access data on a DVD
without having to install any software on their PC.
Simply plug the external DVD into a USB port, insert the DVD and be
able to read the data without having to manually install drivers or
DVD-reading software.
Is this possible?
We would use USB flash drives instead, but there is too much data to
fit on a flash drive.
Click to expand...
 
Kenny, in this thread has answered your question about software.

As to whether or not there are any external USB 2.0 DVD drives that XP will
recognize without having to install software from the manufacturer, you need
to check with the manufacturer. Find the drives in which you have an
interest and then check their websites for the need for any special software
or call them with a pre-sales question.
 
It depends on the format of the DVD. A DVD-R, written in ISO or Joliet
format, and "finalized", should be readable. A DVD-RW, formated with packet
writting, such as UDF, InCD, or DLA, will probably not be readable without
some software.
 
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